This Photography course is specifically tailored for those seeking to learn both Creative Photography and Photography Techniques, and whom wish to seek a greater understanding of the traditional, artistic and core principles of Photography, and is suitable for anyone whom has done a Beginners / An introduction to Photography Course.

You will be able to build on, and increase your technique and skillset, and take your Photography beyond what you can see, through the technique of previsualization – the true cornerstone of Creative Photography.

This comprehensive Course also includes;

A night field trip of 2 x hrs; Through Circular Quay, and including the Sydney Opera House precinct – Handheld Night Photography and Telling a Story through Photography and Previsualisation.

A night field trip of 2 x hrs; Luna Park Sydney (with gracious permission, we are allowed inside the grounds of Luna Park Sydney), Handheld Effects and Long exposures and Sydney Harbour Bridge; Correct tripod Set up, long / time exposures; Using Manual and Auto exposure and understanding the Exposure Triangle. This field trip is held on a Friday night instead of our usual night, a date will be arranged to be agreed upon by the students and Tutor, (some course weeks, need to be switched to allow this).

Skill Level:

This Photography course is suitable for anyone whom has done a getting a Beginners / An introduction to Photography Course / DSLR Photography course or similar, and or has a good working knowledge of their camera and its controls, and an understanding of exposure; shutter speeds, apertures, and iso.

Course Outline:

• Week 1

Correct camera set up; Picture Styles and How to see in Colour and Black and White (monochrome)
How to create dramatic photographs using High Key Low key lighting

• Week 2

Point of View, Lens focal length, Magnification, Zooming with your feet

• Week 3

Composition, Negative Space and framing, Aspect Ratios; square and panoramic

• Week 4

Handheld – action / shutter speeds and movement with flash

• Week 5

Creative Bokeh Effect – intentional out of focus effect, Zoom and intentional Camera Movement

• Week 6

Creative Light and Shadow Effects – silhouette, over and under exposure, extreme lighting and flare effects

• Week 7

Circular Quay to Sydney Opera House – Handheld Night Photography and Telling a Story through Photography and Previsualisation

• Week 8

Luna Park and Harbour Bridge – Handheld and tripod long / time exposures, Correct tripod Set up; Using Manual and Auto exposure and the Exposure Triangle

Weather:

All field trips will run regardless of the weather, to give participants an opportunity to photograph in fine or wet weather. A field trip will only be postponed to a future date if heavy weather / thunderstorm is forecast or it is continuously raining.

Please note:

Coffee/drinks / food/dinner / snacks /etc, transport to and from and any other expenses are not included in the cost of this course
Most classes will be held at Jannali Shops, for optimal lighting and Photographic opportunities, to photograph and get cover from weather conditions.

What to bring:

Camera Equipment;
Any adjustable digital camera; DSLR / 4/3rds / Mirrorless / Superzoom / Bridge camera / Advanced Compact camera with;

• RAW / JPEG image capability (JPEG only is fine)
• adjustable ISO/film speed settings
• with adjustable exposure settings; shutter, aperture, and manual exposure i.e. S or TV, A or AV, and M,
• With manual/autofocus capability
• Also if your camera has adjustable picture control/picture style settings i.e. monochrome standard, neutral, etc
• A spare camera body if you have one
• Batterie(s) charged and ready x 2 if you have them
• Memory card(s) at least x 2 if you have them

An extra battery and memory card, are strongly recommended, as your camera will be ON, for most of the field trips, and also reviewing your photographs frequently

Lenses:

Lens(es) for interchangeable cameras:
Zoom lens(es)
Any Zoom Lenses you have
18 – 55 mm , 18 – 135 mm , 16 – 35mm , 28 to 80 mm , 10 – 20mm , 40 – 150mm , 70 – 200 etc
and or
Any Prime lens(es) if you have them i.e. fisheye / wide angle / standard, telephoto
I.e 15mm , 20 mm , 35 mm , 50 mm , 85mm / 135mm
Lens notes;

• If you have any lens with a fast aperture of f1.4 / f1.8 / f2.0 / f2.8 / f4.0 etc will be very useful night time photography

Some night photography is done at close quarters + so make sure you also bring your widest zoom lens and or widest wide-angle prime lens or + fisheye lens.

• The Tutor uses a 15mm fisheye / wide angle lens to capture photographs at a closer range

Tripod gear:

• A sturdy tripod, Tripod plate
• Tripod head/tripod ball head
• A connected electronic cable/cable release is strongly recommended for your camera, as timing is crucial
• If it is a remote button release (you should use the same camera brand that is specific to your camera, this is fine if you have one, they are great as a backup remote)
• Please note an electronically connected cable release (is essential as timing is crucial), Releasing with the delayed timer on your camera or using a wireless trigger or app with a smartphone is not recommended

Safety Note;
Tripods can only be used, with the Tutor’s supervision, and away from public thoroughfares

For night classes / flash Photography:

• Your internal camera flash is fine for night classes, but if you have If you have a separate camera flash, please bring that too
• With necessary batteries; fresh alkaline or fully charged – rechargeable batteries

What to wear:

Weatherproof clothing for Field Trips

• Cool / wet weather warm clothing layers / jumper / rain jacket
• Warmer weather comfortable clothing, hat and sunglasses
• Mini umbrella only, no large umbrellas for safety reasons

Footwear:

• Closed in footwear for your safety, as we will be doing some practical lessons outside the classroom as well as for field trips acceptable; closed walking / running shoes/ hiking boots with rubber soles (no thongs / sandals / high heels etc)

Additional items:

• A torch – LED and a cob-lamp / headlamp are essential to adjust set up your camera in the dark (* a smartphone is not recommended)
• Own food, snacks and water
• Note pad and pen
• Bug repellent
• A small towel for yourself /camera,
• A face mask is recommended especially for feedback
• Handkerchief, Tissues
• Alcohol-based hand sanitiser should be at least 70 / 90 percent alcohol, Antibacterial wipes Camera (LCD) screen cleaner
• Money / cash for coffee / snacks / food /drinks on our field trips

About the Tutor:

"My name is Neoklis Bloukos, and I have had a passion for Photography since I was 14 years old.

My experience of over 48 years of in Photography includes; 25 years as a Press Photographer, over 19 years of Digital Photography & post processing, and now 8 years as a Professional Photography Tutor, teaching all levels of Photography.

I am very passionate about Photography, and I love to teach and share, my knowledge and practice of both classic and modern; Photography genres and techniques in the field, and I believe it is the most significant visual medium on this planet.

It is not just about teaching Photography, it is also about experiences with like-minded people, whom want to learn, share and enjoy the Photography learning experience together, in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere."

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled prior to the commencement and you will be informed.